Exclusive Jaeza Interview: From College Bars To Big Stages

Exclusive Jaeza Interview: From College Bars To Big Stages

Renowned for their passion and commitment, Jaeza—the dynamic duo of John and Josh—is making waves in the electronic music scene.

In this exclusive Jaeza interview, Josh delves into their journey, sharing the duo’s approach to DJing, their creative process, and how they’re carving out a unique sound in the industry.

Every artist has an origin story, and Jaeza’s is rooted in college days and chance opportunities. “It all started when a buddy of mine DJed at our college bars,” Josh recalls. What began as hyping up crowds from the sidelines turned into a crash course in DJing when his friend left for the summer. Josh stepped up, quickly learning the ropes and eventually securing his first residency at a local bar. That spark grew into a passion, and soon, he joined forces with John to form Jaeza, blending their unique styles and influences.

Jaeza’s debut performance was nothing short of magical. “It was one of those unforgettable nights,” Josh shares. “We played on the Smith Tower rooftop as the sun set, overlooking the city skyline. Our friends hyped us up, and the crowd was fully engaged.” Highlighting their set was an original track they’d worked on together, which left the audience dancing and vibing. That night solidified their vision for Jaeza: uniting people through good music and great vibes.

Josh’s preparation process is a mix of strategy and spontaneity. For some shows, he meticulously plans each transition; for others, he relies on instinct and reads the crowd. “Even with a prepared setlist, I adjust on the fly based on the energy in the room,” he explains. “The goal is always to create a unique experience and keep the energy alive.”

While DJing solo has its merits, Josh thrives in collaborative settings. “When I go back-to-back with another DJ, it’s all about seamless teamwork,” he says. Whether layering effects or trading off transitions, collaboration brings a new dimension to their performances.

One of Jaeza’s strengths lies in their ability to adapt. “Reading the crowd is key,” Josh emphasizes. By observing how people move and react, he tailors the set to maintain a high-energy vibe. “It’s all about being flexible and finding that sweet spot where the crowd’s energy and yours align.”

Jaeza’s music draws from a wide spectrum of influences, blending House with elements of Detroit Techno, new wave, and more. While their sets lean heavily on House, they’re unafraid to incorporate diverse genres. “We’re constantly evolving our sound while staying true to our roots,” says Josh.

Among their career highlights, Josh recalls a standout moment at Capitol Hill Block Party. “We played our first release, ‘Not Ya Kinda Girl,’ and hearing the crowd sing along was surreal,” he shares. “It was a mix of pride and joy, reinforcing why we do what we do.”

For those looking to break into the scene, Josh offers simple yet impactful advice: “Get out there and connect with your local music community. The best way to make a mark is to be part of it.”

While Jaeza’s sets are a mix of their originals and tracks from other artists, they’re working toward playing entirely original shows. “Right now, we sprinkle in our own tracks for flair,” says Josh, “but our goal is to eventually fill our sets with only Jaeza music.”

With their eyes set on the future, Jaeza is committed to evolving their artistry while staying authentic. Their journey in electronic music is a testament to their passion, creativity, and dedication.

Jaeza’s story is one of passion and perseverance, and they’re only getting started. Be sure to follow their journey on social media and streaming platforms to stay updated on their latest releases and performances. For more insights into the electronic music world, explore our interviews with other rising stars and discover what makes this genre so electrifying.

Mia Brooks
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